Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

Definition of Karst Topography

According to the United States Geological Survey, karst represents distinctive topography formed from the dissolution of limestone and dolomite rock. Springs, caves and sinkholes characterize the karst landscape.

  1. Etymology

    • Karst derives from the German word "karst," a limestone plateau near Trieste, Italy.

    Formation

    • According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Global Geoparks Network, karst formation begins with the absorption of carbon dioxide from falling rain. The rainwater acquires more carbon dioxide upon touching the soil and creates carbonic acid. Eventually, the carbonic acid-enriched water breaks down the limestone and dolomite, resulting in openings that increase in size and accelerate karst formation.

    Significance

    • According to the Karst Waters Institute, approximately 25 percent of the world's population obtains its water supply from karst.

    Geography

    • The United States Geological Survey notes that about 20 percent of the United States' land area contains karst. In addition, karst covers China, Europe, the Caribbean and Australia.

    Problems

    • Water mixed with pesticides, petroleum products, animal waste or plastic bags represents the main source of pollution in karst areas. The waste can travel through caves unfiltered and poison the water supply.
      In addition, excessive water extraction in populated karst regions can produce sinkholes that swallow office buildings, stores and homes.

Related Searches:

References

Resources

Comments

You May Also Like

  • Definition of Topography

    Comments. You May Also Like. Definition of Karst Topography. According to the United States Geological Survey, karst represents distinctive topography formed from...

  • What Is Karst Topography?

    Karst topography is created when groundwater dissolves sedimentary rock. These unique landscapes, possessing aboveground and underground features, are incredibly ...

  • Definition of Hachure Marks in Topography

    Hachure marks are defined as multiple crossing lines that create a shaded definition on either maps or drawings. In topography, they are...

  • How to Visit the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico

    Arecibo Observatory is a scientific marvel set in the cloaked-in-green-karst hills of a Caribbean island. Puerto Rico's unique topography of eroded limestone...

  • Definition of Ocean Topography

    Topography means the study or description of an area's structures and features. On land, topographical maps delineate mountains, plateaus, valleys and various...

  • Topography Activities

    Topography Activities. Topography activities can be used in and outside the classroom to get young people excited about the world we live...

  • Environmental Hazards of Limestone Mining

    Environmental Hazards of Limestone Mining. Limestone, composed mostly of calcium carbonate, is used primarily to produce Portland cement for the building industry.

  • Description of Topography

    The term "topography" is principally applied in the study of Earth's surface, whether it is man-made structure or natural. But the proper...

  • What Percentage of Income is Income Tax?

    Individuals in the United States are progressively taxed. This means that the amount of tax due by the payee goes up as...

  • Topographic Map Activities for Students

    Topographic maps, which show the contours of the landscape, are immensely powerful tools: They can help the outdoor adventurer find his or...

  • Definition of a Topography Surface

    Topographic surface maps, also called topo or contour maps, provide a point of reference, accurately depicting features of a surface through contour...

  • Lowest Population Density Areas of United States

    Lowest Population Density Areas of United States. Population density lets you know which areas of the United States have elbow-to-elbow crowds of...

  • Description of Puerto Rico's Topography

    Despite its small size--the island is roughly three times the size of Rhode Island--Puerto Rico has a varied landscape. From mountain regions...

  • What Is Topographic?

    Topographic maps are used widely for both recreational and industrial purposes. They differ from political, physical or road maps in the detail...

  • Four Geographic Regions of the United States

    The United States is divided into four main regions by the U.S. Census Bureau for population registration purposes: the Northeast, Midwest, South...

  • What Is the Topography of Japan?

    The country of Japan is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for its seismic activity. As such, Japan's...

  • What Is the Definition of a Land Surveyor?

    A land surveyor is a person who uses measuring tools to determine the size and boundaries of a piece of real estate....

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured